Two more local high school football players have moved up another rung on the ladder of post-season awards — and one of them may be climbing to the very top.
Fultondale senior quarterback/safety ArDarius Stewart and Pinson Valley senior linebacker Zach Cunningham have both been named as finalists for Back of the Year honors by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.
Stewart won the award in Class 2A last year, and is the only previous winner to be nominated in all six AHSAA classes and the AISA. Cunningham is a first-time nominee in Class 5A.
The nominations make both players eligible to be named to the ASWA Super 12 team and as Mr. Football, the award given to the state’s best all-around player regardless of classification. Stewart, an Alabama commitment, placed fourth in the Mr. Football balloting last season, and is a front-runner for the award this year.
Here’s the entire list of nominees:
CLASS 6A
BACK: Jeremy Johnson, Carver-Montgomery, Sr., QB, 6-6, 219 lbs.; Racean Thomas, Oxford, Jr., RB, 6-0, 200; Marquez White, Northview, Sr., DB, 6-1, 173.
LINEMAN: Reuben Foster, Auburn, Sr., LB, 6-2, 235; Austin Golson, Prattville, Sr., OL, 6-5, 285; Grant Hill, Huntsville, Sr., OL, 6-6, 290
CLASS 5A
BACK: Johnny Cook, Spanish Fort, Sr., DB, 6-0, 185; Tyler Jackson, Muscle Shoals, Sr., RB, 5-10, 150; Joel Poe, Spanish Fort, Sr., QB, 6-1, 200
LINEMAN: Zach Cunningham, Pinson Valley, Sr., LB, 6-4, 200; Jordan Sims, Homewood, Jr., OL, 6-4, 330; Tre Williams, St. Paul’s, Jr., LB, 6-2, 220
CLASS 4A
BACK: Jordan Chunn, Madison County, Sr., RB, 6-0, 210; Toby Pee, Sardis, Sr., RB, 5-11, 180; Alvin Scott, Oneonta, Sr., WR, 6-3, 190
LINEMAN: Blake Bean, Oneonta, Jr., DL, 6-3, 240; Ronnie Clark, Calera, Jr., Ath., 6-3, 210; Rod Crayton, Dadeville, Sr., DL, 6-0, 280
CLASS 3A
BACK: Courtney Foy, Midfield, Sr., Ath., 5-11, 175; Kerryon Johnson, Madison Academy, So., RB, 6-1, 195; JaTevin Madison, Fayette County, Jr., WR, 5-10, 150
LINEMAN: Torrandine Harris, Midfield, Sr., DL, 6-1, 240; Jamarious Henderson, Dale County, So., LB, 6-0, 210; Jamie Major, Piedmont, Sr., LB, 6-2, 225
CLASS 2A
BACK: Tyler Rogers, Mobile Christian, Jr., RB, 5-11, 185; ArDarius Stewart, Fultondale, Sr., QB, 6-1, 195; Tywone Stewart, Reeltown, Sr., RB, 5-8, 170
LINEMAN: DeMarcus Holcombe, Washington County, Jr., LB, 6-1, 213; Jestavia Norris, Reeltown, Sr., DL, 6-1, 210; Fred Rich, Tanner, Sr., LB, 6-2, 200
CLASS 1A
BACK: Rodney Camp, Phillips, Sr., QB, 6-2, 175; George Payne, St. Luke’s, Sr., RB, 5-11, 195; Ready Swanigan, Marion County, Jr., Ath., 5-10, 170
LINEMAN: Damien Davenport, McIntosh, Sr., LB, 6-2, 262; Taylor Driggers, Brantley, Sr., OL, 6-2, 255; Justin Lucas, Notasulga, Sr., LB, 5-9, 170
AISA
BACK: Dylan Ingram, Edgewood Academy, Sr., QB, 6-4, 200; Jarrette Pope, Clarke Prep, Jr., RB, 6-2, 215; Jaevon Walton, Tuscaloosa Academy, Jr., RB, 6-0, 225
LINEMAN: Terrell Bush, Tuscaloosa Academy, Jr., OL, 6-3, 305; O.J. Howard, Autauga Academy, Sr., TE, 6-6, 230; Cortney Wilbanks, Restoration Academy, Jr., LB, 6-0, 225
Local Sports
Stewart, Cunningham named finalists for Linemen of the Year
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